Lionheart schools mark Remembrance Day

It is a reflective occasion and one where we fall silent and remember.

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Derbyshire, Lionheart schools have engaged in a variety of initiatives to mark this significant occasion.

Here is how some of Lionheart’s schools paid their respects:

 

Mercia Academy, Swadlincote

Creative students dedicated their lunchtimes to crafting vibrant poppies, which they used to adorn library windows and bookshelves - a powerful tribute to those who served and sacrificed in past conflicts

Carefully selected books – including contextual fiction and poetry – were added to displays and deepen the significance of the occasion.

In a moving tribute to their local community, students also designed a display in Reception featuring the names of local soldiers who fought in both World Wars. Many students were able to recognise familiar names, bringing the history closer to home.

 

Judgemeadow Community College, Evington

Year 9 students visited the Evington Memorial on the Village Green, where they engaged in a poignant Remembrance Day service to honour fallen soldiers.

Led by Councillor Zuffar Huq and the Friends of Evington, students recited some iconic poetry and observed the traditional two minutes’ silence, where they reflected on the importance of peace and the sacrifices made by previous generations.

Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, four students, who are also in the army cadets, dressed up in their uniforms to attend the service.

“Teaching students about Remembrance Day is vital for instilling a sense of gratitude, respect, and understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedoms,” said Associate Principal Alex Grainge.

While a student added: “"Learning about Remembrance Day helps me appreciate what I have today. It's a reminder that many brave people fought for our rights, and we should never take that for granted.”

 

The Castle Rock School, Coalville

Sixth form students navigated around the school to sell poppies and raise money for the Royal British Legion. Learners also listened intently to the History department, who led moving assemblies about the origins of Remembrance Day before the school observed the traditional silence.

 

The Newbridge School, Coalville

Remembrance Day assemblies took on a local twist at Newbridge, with Assistant Headteacher Mr Birt speaking about The Famous Fifty, the first World War One civilian volunteers who went to fight in France.

These brave men were from the Coalville area and, tragically, only 22 survived.  

 

The Cedars Academy, Birstall

Echoes of iconic wartime poetry reverberated around the hall at The Cedars Academy as Assistant Principal, Mr Thomas, took students on a journey, explaining the importance of the poppy, why we remember, the local Birstall Memorial Stone, before looking at Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen and Carol Ann Duffy’s The Last Post.

 

Beauchamp City Sixth Form, Leicester

History teacher Mr Spencer delivered an assembly that outlined the origins of remembrance and gave an insightful overview of World War One. He also delved deep into the backstory of some of the conflict’s most notable soldiers, including Walter Tull, Hardit Singh Malik and Noel Chavasse, bringing their legacy to life for students.

 

Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College, Knighton

Students created a striking display in the school’s reception area. They produced fact files about a collection of iconic women who played influential roles during World War One. This display was accompanied by literature that gave the learners the opportunity to discover more about this significant conflict and the history of Remembrance Day.

 

Highcliffe Primary School, Birstall

Creative young pupils at Highcliffe Primary School, broke out their colouring pencils and paintbrushes before setting to work on creating their own artistic poppy pieces. These magnificent works of art were then displayed all around the school; on display boards, windows and even on cupboards.

Then, as the clock struck 11:00, pupils congregated onto the school field and impeccably observed the two-minutes' silence to a backdrop of 'The Last Post.'

 

 

Our young people engaged with this important occasion with magnificent maturity and were exemplary role models for both their schools and the wider Trust.